Malkit J Gill Interview
Style isn’t just what you wear — it’s how you tell your story without saying a word.
Q. You’ve made a name for yourself in both fashion styling and creative artistry. How did your journey begin?
I was assisting a creative director in Delhi, working on fashion videos and set design. One day, the stylist didn’t show up, and I was asked to help. Clamping, steam ironing, quick changes, body tape, hangers, people, I was thrown into it all. But somehow, it felt like magic. I fell in love with the basics.
There was no turning back after that.
After a year with my mentor, I moved to Mumbai. I reached out to a film school senior who had worked on movies like Padmaavat. One random Sunday in July, she called asking for help with wedding shopping. I barely knew the city, but I took her fabric sourcing anyway.
She loved the look I put together and asked if I wanted to assist a designer on a feature film. I said yes without thinking. Getting a film without contacts was a big deal. I landed my first film set that same year, and I’ve done 16 since.
Q. As a celebrity stylist, how do you balance a client’s personal identity with current trends?
It all begins with building a strong sense of trust. As a celebrity stylist, my first priority is to understand who the client truly is—their personality, style preferences, favorite colors, and the silhouettes that flatter them most. I always ask: “How do you see yourself?” and “What do you want to express?” Once I have that vision, I blend their individuality with current trends to create a look that feels authentic yet fashion-forward. It’s never about forcing a trend—it’s about elevating their identity through style.
Q. You’ve styled Sreeleela for several shoots, how would you describe her personal style off-camera?
Off-camera, Sreeleela’s personal style is effortlessly chic and refreshingly grounded. She gravitates toward clean silhouettes, soft fabrics, and a natural color palette that reflects her calm, confident personality. There’s an ease about the way she dresses, nothing ever feels forced. She’s someone who understands what suits her and carries it with grace, whether it’s a simple kurta set or a relaxed co-ord look. Her style is a perfect balance of youthful elegance and understated glam, always authentic to who she is.
Q. What goes into creating a red carpet or stage look that really turns heads?
So much, more goes into it than people realize. A red carpet or stage look that truly turns heads is the result of weeks of behind-the-scenes work. From sourcing the perfect outfit, coordinating fittings, and styling accessories, to managing alterations and dealing with last-minute changes, it’s a full production. Every detail matters, because that one look, which may flash on the red carpet for just a few seconds, represents hours of creative energy, collaboration, and precision. It's magic, but it’s meticulously planned magic.
Q. You’ve styled for iconic films like Gangubai Kathiawadi, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, and Mission Raniganj, how different is styling for cinema compared to editorial or red carpet looks?
Styling for cinema is an entirely different world compared to editorial shoots or red carpet looks. In films, every outfit has to serve the story, it’s about building a character, not just creating a beautiful look. The styling needs to feel lived-in, era-accurate, and emotionally connected to the scene. For example, in Gangubai Kathiawadi, every drape, texture, and accessory had to reflect her journey and the time period she lived in.
On the other hand, editorial and red carpet styling is more about drama, trends, and visual impact in a moment. You have more freedom to experiment, but less time to connect it to a deeper narrative. Both are creatively fulfilling in different ways, but cinema challenges you to think beyond aesthetics, to think like a storyteller.
Q. How does wardrobe styling shape the public image of a celebrity?
Wardrobe styling plays a powerful role in shaping how the world sees a celebrity. People may forget words, but they remember looks. A single outfit can become iconic, it can define a moment, influence perception, and even shift a career. Styling goes far beyond fashion; it’s a form of visual storytelling. It communicates confidence, individuality, and brand identity without saying a word. When done right, it helps the celebrity not just look the part, but own it.
Q. With fashion evolving so fast, what timeless styling principle do you always stick to?
No matter how fast fashion evolves, one timeless principle I always stick to is fit. Trends come and go, but if something fits you perfectly, it instantly elevates your look. A well-fitted outfit flatters your body, enhances your presence, and speaks volumes about your style. Pair that with confidence, and you’ve got a combination that never goes out of style. At the end of the day, confidence is the best accessory anyone can wear.
Q. What advice would you give to young stylists or artists who want to break into the industry without connections?
Start anywhere, but just start. Assist, intern, volunteer, say yes to opportunities, no matter how small they seem. The key is to be around the work, to learn, observe, and contribute. People will notice your eye, your attitude, and your energy. That’s how your network starts to build, organically. Don’t wait around for a big break to find you. Chase it, work for it, and show up every single day like you belong. That’s how you break in.
Q. Just for fun, if you had to style a fictional character from a movie or cartoon, who would it be?
Definitely Cruella de Vil, she’s already halfway to a fashion icon! I’d reimagine her in an oversized, sharply structured blazer with exaggerated shoulders, a cinched waist, high leather boots, and a sheer tulle layer peeking out underneath, just to dial up the drama. Still very much the villain, but make it haute couture. Think edgy, theatrical, and unapologetically bold, just like her.
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